NYC & COMPANY INVITES LOCALS AND VISITORS TO EXPLORE THE BRONX THIS SEASON

—May 2011 Kicks Off 40th Annual Bronx Week—

New York City (April 29, 2011) — NYC & Company, New York City’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization, encourages New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore the borough of the Bronx this spring and summer. Home to Yankee Stadium, the New York Botanical Garden, Arthur Avenue’s Little Italy and Wave Hill, the Bronx serves as a one-stop destination for entertainment, culture, history, flavor and outdoor activities. May also marks the 40th annual celebration of Bronx Week, which commemorates all aspects of the borough’s vibrant community. From May 12–22, the borough’s streets will come alive with festivals, parades, trolley tours and more while supporting the Bronx’s landmarks, residents and businesses.

“The Bronx is a distinct part of New York City that draws millions of visitors each year,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “The borough features hundreds of acres of parks, gardens and beaches, and contributes greatly to the diversity of our international city. We want to remind everyone of all that the Bronx has to offer and encourage them to take advantage of its seasonal events.”

"Once again it is my pleasure to invite Bronxites, New Yorkers and visitors to join me during the biggest celebration of our people, places, history and culture," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "Don't miss the chance to be part of 2011’s historic celebration, which gets bigger and better every year. I look forward to seeing you all here."

Outdoor attractions this spring and summer include:

Bronx Zoo Visit Mia, the infamous cobra who disappeared for six days before being recovered from her hiding spot. Also on view are African baboons, lemurs and crocodiles. Check out the Butterfly Garden or the Sea Bird Colony, or take a loop around the Wild Asia Plaza on a camel (bronxzoo.com).

Wave Hill A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson, this open space hosts a number of weekly events including yoga classes and birding, beekeeping and art workshops (wavehill.org).

New York Botanical Garden Nature is in bloom at this 120-year-old institution. View one of several flower exhibitions, including the Azalea Garden, on the 250-acre site or check out one of their many daily events (nybg.org).

Trail Rides at the Bronx Equestrian Center Beginners to advanced horse riders can ride the trails of Pelham Bay Park for $35 an hour (or $25 per person per hour for groups of 10 or more). Lessons can be arranged by appointment and a children’s riding program is offered each summer (bronxequestriancenter.com).

This year Bronx Week will kick off on May 12 and feature vintage subway trains on the 4 line, fairs, parades and more over the course of 11 days. Daily events through May 22 will include:

Historic Trolley Tours 9:30am–12:30pm, 1:30–4:30pm Bronx County Building Tour the Bronx on a trolley with Bronx historian Lloyd Ultan. The tours, co-hosted by the Bronx Tourism Council, will focus on early 17th-century feminist and religious freedom leader Anne Hutchinson, after whom a river in the Bronx is named.

Zumba at Lunchtime Noon–2pm Bronx County Building Zumba dancers will take over the Civic Center and lead the lunchtime crowd in the fitness craze that moves to Latin rhythms.

Saturday, May 21

Rock the Boat on Environmental Day 11am–4pm Hunts Point Riverside Park Enjoy a free canoe ride on the Bronx River, courtesy of the young boat builders at Rock the Boat—an award-winning environmental program for teens that has helped reclaim the river.

Sunday, May 22

40th Annual Bronx Week Grand Parade Noon Mosholu Parkway North The week concludes with a parade of bands, marchers and cultural groups, followed by the Bronx Week Food & Arts Festival and music concert on the Mosholu Parkway.

For more ideas on what to see and do in the five boroughs visit nycgo.com. For more information on Bronx Week 2011 visit ilovethebronx.com.

About NYC & Company NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.